Patients who need to rely on CPAP therapy not only during the night are definitely looking for user-friendly and easy to carry CPAP devices. Both ResMed and Philips Respironics are market leaders in terms of portable CPAP devices, so let’s have a look at their most popular small-sized CPAP devices: the AirMini by ResMed and the DreamStation Go by Philips Respironics.
AirMini by ResMed
ResMed has been a provider of trustworthy medical grade breathing devices for more than 25 years. They continuously strive to bring to the market smaller, lighter, more powerful machines that help patients get the therapy they need even while on the go. AirMini is considered the smallest portable CPAP device available on the market. The device features top effective humidification system for even more convenience and therapy comfort.
AirMini offers quick and easy connectivity via the AirMini App, and the device also comes with a premium stylish travel bag and accessories for ideal therapy while on the go. AirMini weighs less than 1 pound and fits easily into the palm of your hand. The device features the HumidX waterless humidification, and this small device has all the important functional and operational features you can find in the AirSense 10 CPAP device by ResMed.
- Waterless humidification system – patients can now enjoy all the benefits of humidification but without any hassles. HumidX is a waterless humidification system that provides optimum moisture levels without having to use any water.
- Fully integrated CPAP- all you have to do is select a compatible mask and a setup pack and then you are ready to enjoy the highest quality therapy regardless of where you are
- AirMini App – users can easily control their AirMini from a smartphone or tablet with the help of the AirMini App. Patients simply have to download the app and then connect via the Bluetooth feature. With the AirMini App, users can easily access their sleep score or 30-day therapy history progress.
Plenty of accessories available that go with the AirMini device: heat moisture exchangers that help to provide effective humidification, the ResMed mount system that allows you to mount the device to certain points (e.g. your bed frame), or the AirMini Travel Bag which is a small and compact travel style bag.
If you are looking for the smallest sleep therapy system provided by ResMed, you should pair your AirMini device with the AirFit P10 mask.
DreamStation Go by Philips Respironics
Philips made a breakthrough with its launch of DreamStation Go. The device has 1/3 fewer parts when compared to other portable types of CPAP devices. Also, DreamStation Go is 50% smaller than the SystemOne or other DreamStation devices by Philips.
- Weighs less than 2 pounds
- Ideal portable CPAP for traveling or outdoors activities (traveling by plane, camping, workout, etc.)
- Smallest and lightest tubing system by Philips Respironics
- Highly intuitive color touchscreen offering a very simple setup& easy navigation
- In-built power supply & USB port for quick charging of mobile devices
- Rechargeable battery integrated + Bluetooth connectivity
Thanks to its ultra flexible and sleek 12mm tubing system, users can now get all the freedom of movement they need while sleeping. The tubing system is up to 60% smaller than the standard 22mm tubing systems. Patient comfort is maximized through the Flex Technology. DreamStation Go uses Flex technology just as the SystemOne or the DreamStation devices. Flex technology helps to track the breathing patterns of the patient and then provide pressure relief upon exhalation. Flex technology will also ease the transition of pressure from inhalation to exhalation in order to mimic the natural breathing pattern of the patient. Therefore, Flex technology follows the patient’s breathing pattern on a breath-by-breath basis to provide the best compliance and therapy efficiency.
Patients looking for a small, portable and relatively light CPAP device can opt either for the AirMini or the DreamStation Go. Both devices offer similar features, with the DreamStation also offering pressure relief and a much more flexible tubing system. AirMini is smaller with fewer features, while DreamStation Go is a little bulkier with more integrated features.
When selecting a travel CPAP it is important to carefully check out the features before purchasing. For example, patients with higher required pressures will certainly need the Flex technology to make their therapy more comfortable. On the other hand, users with lower pressure requirements may want to look at an extremely stylish, small and lightweight travel CPAP such as the AirMini.
Also, patients who already own a standard ResMed or Philips Respironics device and they are compliant with the therapy provided, they may want to opt for a travel CPAP offered by the same brand they trust. Before opting for a travel CPAP, you should also check out all the compatible accessories that you can purchase with your device (connectivity accessories, cleaning kits, compatible masks or humidification accessories).
If you need more comparison information about CPAP devices you can visit our helpful CPAP comparison chart.
Charles Goldberg
With the dream Station Go you cannot use the HumidX as it is only usable on the ResMed AirMini system. You can however use the Heat Moisture Exchange that is used on the Z1. You will find it at the following links: https://sleeprestfully.com/Z1-and-Z2-Heat-Moisture-Exchanger
Stefano
DreamStationGo – When travelling can you use a waterless humidifier such as HumidX? Do you need an adaptor?
Dan A Hammack
AirMini user a proprietary cord, proprietary hose, and only works with ResMed masks. Dreamstation Go uses a cord you can buy most anywhere, generic hoses purchased on Amazon, or wherever, and works with any mask.
Charles Goldberg
I consider high pressure to be anything over 16 CM H2O. Everyone has their own definition and mine night be different than someone else.
Julia
What are you calling a “higher required pressure”? My Dreamstation Auto is set to 16 cmH20 min, 15 max. 90% of the time the pressure is less than 9 cmH20.
I’ve been successful with the Dreamstation. But the reviews on the Dreamstation Go battery pack have not been great. The battery pack for AirMini has received great reviews. Plus, I need humidification. The system the AirMini uses seems to be more appropriate for travel, even if it doesn’t work as well as a heated humidifier.
My primary concern is noise; I’m sensitive to it. I’ve found earplugs can block out the machine noise, but nothing can block mask noise (that’s why I couldn’t use the Dreamwear nasal pillow).
Charles Goldberg
I get you. I hear this all day. The thing users over look is that the small machines use a high velocity motor so that it will fit in the small package and that does lead to vibration at the mask. Your bed partner really does not hear anything just the user. Compared to older machines this machine is still very quiet. I use a small machine every night without issue however, I can sleep through a jet engine taking off.
Charles Goldberg
You are able to use ANY CPAP msk with the DreamStation Go Auto. You do not need any adapters. As for the ResMed AirMini you can use one of 4 mask which are made specifically for the Resmed machine. They are both great machines.
James Werter
I have a dreamstation auto. The go looks the lightest but the tube is nonstandard? Does it have an adapter for masks? I like the full auto functions. I like the quietness. Which would make me happier, go or AirMini?
Sandi Terenciuk
Hi , I’m new to this cpap business and truthfully still finding it hard to keep my mask on. I have the dream station go auto with ResMed p10 air fit nasal pillow cushions , I find I tolerate the less gear around my face , I sometimes open my mouth and hear the gush of air , so I simply close it .there is now the humidifier that you can attach if you want it . As we travel a lot , I got the smaller option . I didn’t like the noise of the ResMed mini, but I did like the size of it .I wish I could get use to it and keep it on longer , I seem to whip it off in the middle of the night . But I defiantly feel the difference when I wear it for longer at night , the most I ve been able to keep it on is 7 hours … I will keep going and keep trying .
Charles Goldberg
There is NOT a humidification component to the Philips Respironics DreamStation GO. This is a great travel CPAP however is not for use if you cannot get along without heated humidification. Many people, including myself have never used humidification and I would suggest you turn yours off for a night or two and see how you do without it. You may be surprised that you can live without it.